Why Dogs Often Get Kennel Cough At Boarding Facilities & What You Can Dog

Are you planning an end-of-summer vacation? Labor Day weekend is a very busy time for doggie daycare and boarding facilities. Kennel cough is a common ailment that dogs often get when in close contact with other dogs. Kennel cough can cause flu-like symptoms such as upper respiratory infection, sneezing, runny eyes and a hacking cough. 

Dogs often contract kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, when they are placed in boarding facilities due to the close proximity and shared environment with other dogs. Kennel cough, scientifically known as infectious tracheobronchitis, is primarily caused by a combination of the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and several viruses, including canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of kennel cough in boarding facilities:

Close Quarters: In boarding facilities, dogs are often housed in close proximity to each other, facilitating the easy transmission of the infectious agents through respiratory droplets when infected dogs cough or sneeze.

Stress and Weakened Immunity: Boarding environments can be stressful for dogs, and stress weakens the immune system's ability to fend off infections. This makes dogs more susceptible to contracting kennel cough when exposed to the pathogens in a boarding facility.

High Volume of Dogs: Boarding facilities typically host a high volume of dogs from various backgrounds, increasing the likelihood of introducing new strains of the infectious agents. This diversity can make it challenging to control the spread of the disease.

Shared Facilities: Dogs in boarding facilities often share common areas, such as play areas, water bowls, and grooming spaces. These shared resources provide ample opportunities for the transmission of the bacteria and viruses responsible for kennel cough.

Preventing kennel cough in boarding situations involves vaccination, maintaining proper hygiene, and minimizing stress on the dogs.   Since Kennel cough is due to a virus, antibiotic treatment isn’t all that helpful Using AskAriel’s Olive Leaf Extract along with Quent Drops can help. They are natural antiviral supplements that are especially effective in targeting lung-related infections. You can use them along with treatments from your vet for conditions like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

To learn more about how to treat canine kennel cough at home, click here.

Holistic Treatments for Canine Kennel Cough

Could we be next?

What is Kennel Cough?
Kennel Cough is a very contagious canine respiratory disease, similar to the common cold in humans. It is also known as Tracheobronchitis and Bordetella.  As the name would lead you to believe it is inflammation of the trachea and bronchi and that "honking" sound they are making is the classic symptom.  It is usually contracted when dogs are in close contact, for example when they are at kennels, boarding facilities, shelters, dog parks or even the vet clinic. The most at risk are puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems.  Even if your dog has been vaccinated it is still possible for them to contract kennel cough. 

Symptoms

• Dry hacking cough is the most common symptom
• Cough may sound like honking
• Retching
• Watery nasal discharge
• In mild cases, dogs would likely be active and eating normally
• In severe cases, symptoms progress and can include pneumonia, inappetence, fever, and lethargy 

The symptoms usually appear about 5-10 days after exposure to an infected dog, and can last for up to 3 weeks, though symptoms may improve considerably within a few days. It is thought that dogs can remain contagious for several weeks after symptoms clear up.

Diagnosis

Most often the diagnosis can be made by symptoms and pet history. However, blood test and bacterial cultures may be performed to determine what type of virus is causing the kennel cough.  

Treatment

• Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
• Your vet will recommend treatment based on the severity of illness in your dog. Many dogs recover without treatment, so your dog may simply require monitoring to ensure the symptoms are not worsening
• Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.
• Holistic treatments can help pets recover faster and feel better. Silver Immune or NotaSAN and QuentaSAN capsules or drops all fight infection and can be used along with antibiotics.    Power Probiotic provides important immune support and is essential to use especially if antibiotics are used.  Antibiotics kill off the friendly bacteria along with the bad bacteria.  The friendly bacteria are needed to prevent a repeat infection and also to support the immune system as kennel cough can spread and cause pneumonia.
• A cough suppressant may be prescribed, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections, but the supplements are most important since kennel cough is viral in nature. If your dog has symptoms such as fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, more intensive treatment will be recommended.
• Avoid exposure to irritating fumes that could increase inflammation
• Pressure from a collar can make kennel cough symptoms worse, so switching to a harness is recommended for the duration of the illness.

Supplements For Kennel Cough

Planning holiday travels? Keep kennel cough away and give your pet the gift of good health with our natural antiviral supplements: Olive Leaf Extract and Quent Drops. What is kennel cough? Kennel cough is like an uninvited guest of the holiday season bringing sneezing, runny eyes and a hacking cough. It's a common problem for dogs in close quarters and can show up at the worst times. Since Kennel cough is due to a virus, antibiotic treatment isn’t all that helpful. Using AskAriel’s Olive Leaf Extract along with Quent Drops can help. They are natural antiviral supplements that are especially effective in targeting lung-related infections. You can use them along with treatments from your vet for conditions like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Giardia--Diarrhea, Caring for A Dog with Giardia and Preventing Reinfection

Sydney, the rescue dog, is making tremendous progress. She was rescued from South Central Shelter and weighed under 40 lbs. Her normal weight should be 55 lbs. She was completely infested with parasites (including Giardia) and worms which were eating all of her food. She was eating huge amounts of food but no weight gain and constant diarrhea. It is now over 3 weeks since she has been rescued and while we have made terrific progress, we still have a long way to go. Sydney had a bad case of kennel cough, skin infections, vaginal infections, parasites, worms and was emaciated. She has gained weight and today we received notification that she is now free of all parasites and worms!!!! This is cause for celebration but was no easy task. And, there is a high likelihood of reoccurence so it is important that I explain all that needs to be done to prevent reoccurence.

Giardia is not just found in rescue dogs.....Many of our clients who have purchased their dogs from the very best breeders have dogs that have been effected. I have treated MANY Yorkies and Maltese for example, that have had repeat infestations. Follow up care using diet and special supplements such as Power Probiotic and Colostrum for Pets will greatly help.

Giardia is very common and can easily be transmitted to humans, particularly children. It is not unusual to hear of entire schools being effected. Giardia is a protozoal infection of the intestines that is transmitted by water or fecal ingestion. Giardia causes intermittent diarrhea and/or vomiting  However, SOME PETS MAY HAVE NO SYMPTOMS!!!!! It is very important to get your dog a fecal smear annually to doublecheck. I know the doggie day care where I take Bleu has always required it. Why? Because it spreads like wildfire and is very, very difficult to control.

I am happy to report that because of tremendous effort, Sydney is now free of Giardia, although one follow up precautionary treatment for both the worms and the parasites is still due. One rule of thumb when it comes to parasites: Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Do not just rely on the medication from your veterinarian. You must actively treat the dog's environment to ensure that you not only rid your pet of parasites but that they do not reoccur.

1) Wash your pet and your pet's bedding several times during the first 2 weeks of the treatment period. Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe Flagyl + Panacur. Even though the Panacur is only for a few days, the Flagyl most likely will be for 7-10 days.

2) Use a baby wipe or wet paper towel and gloves to wipe your dog's rear end after your dog defecates.

3) Keep your dog separated in an isolated area. I know this is a very big challenge for people with multiple pets. You may want to ask your veterinarian about proactively treating other pets although the medications can be harsh and cause other problems. However, this parasite is so contagious, you have to think about what is good for you and your family and your other pets in the long run. Be sure your infected pet only urinates and defecates in an isolated area away from where other pets may go. My recommendation would be to have them go in a garage or side area so that you can easily pick up the stool.

4) ALWAYS wear gloves when picking up stool infested with giardia or parasites/worms and then throw the baggie into another baggie with a tie on top. Immediately pick up the stool if possible. Giardia can set into the ground, worms can can into the soil.....I just cannot say enough about how clean you need to be!

5) After you clean up the area, please use Bleach or a cleaning product containing bleach. I went through 24 rolls of paper towels in a 10 day period and several bottles of cleanser. I washed my shoes after walking on the infected area as cleaning up diarrhea is not easy and it is easy to step on it (ick!).

6) Keep children, workmen, pets and housekeepers away from the trash. I put a big note on my trash barrel making sure the gardener knew to use an alternate bin.

Additionally, it is important to know that pets affected with giardia will need a great deal of after-care. Many pets can develop inflammatory bowel disease because the inflammation in the bowel has not been addressed. Read more about IBD in dogs and how to treat it.